Month: January 2016

Mark Kelso was a dynamic safety for the great Buffalo Bills teams of the early 90s. After his playing career Kelso served as a color commentator for Buffalo Bills Radio Network and also as an elementary school teacher and football coach.

Kelso was one of the players I remember that wore the cap over their helmet to minimize concussion risk. The cap is visible here in this card. From what I remember the caps were made of a Styrofoam material and I have memories of the helmets at the end of games with paint and foam missing.

One of my favorite receivers of all time, Al Toon, returned my 1990 Pro Set card personalized to me. Toon was an outstanding receiver for the New York Jets whose career was cut short by repeated concussions decades before concussions became a regular topic in the NFL. Toon’s son, Nick Toon, is a wide receiver for the St. Louis….soon to be Los Angeles Rams.

2 Time SuperBowl Champion Eli Manning was gracious enough to send back my card signed today. Manning is the New York Giants all time leader in wins and nearly every passing category. A little known fact about Eli Manning is that he co-authored a children’s book with his brother and father titled “Family Huddle”.

Jim “Crash” Jensen was a running back, receiver, and special teams player for the Miami Dolphins. Jensen wore number 11 because he was originally drafted as a quarterback. The emergence of Dan Marino meant that Jensen would have to be utilized in other positions in order to see playing time. Jensen received his nickname “Crash” from Howard Cosell who was describing the way Jensen played while covering kickoffs.

After his NFL career ended, Jensen went on to coach the Orlando Predators of the Arena League. Jensen now works as a Director of Wellness Programs where he assists developmentally disabled children lead active lives.

Mr. Jensen was gracious enough to sign my 1990 Pro Set Card with inscribed with his nickname.

Dennis Higgins played in the bigs from 1966-1972. As a relief pitcher he made appearances with the White Sox, Senators, Cardinals, and one season with the Indians. Mr. Higgins was kind enough to sign my 1970 Topps card.

Great addition today from retired LB Carl Zander. Zander played 7 years in the NFL and started for the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII Interestingly, Mr. Zander is now the Senior Vice President for Forever Living Products.

Greg Brock played 10 years in the majors, splitting time between the Brewers and Dodgers. In 1987 he had his best season batting .299 and hitting 13HRs. Brock sent back 2 signed cards for me in blue ink. Thanks Mr. Brock.